Program Assistant

Description

Position Summary

Under the general supervision of the Center Administrator, assists with professional duties consisting of, but not limited to, planning, developing, coordinating, implementing, and supervising Center staff and children along with the development and implementation of programs offered in the agency.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The work environment is typical of an early childhood learning facility, office, and classroom setting. The noise level is usually moderate. Working in an early childhood setting requires maintaining the physical condition and stamina appropriate to the assigned duties and responsibilities, including stationary positioning for extended periods, interacting with co-workers, visitors, etc. Frequently requires lifting boxes of copy paper, office supplies, etc. Occasional use of upper extremities to press against equipment, furniture, etc., between 30-50 pounds with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward. Requires occasional use of upper extremities to exert force to draw, haul, or tug objects between 30-50 pounds in a sustained motion. Raising objects between 30-50 pounds from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to- position is occasionally required.

Regularly required to use upper extremities including reaching with hands and arms to move office supplies, files, documents, etc. from a lower to higher position. Occasionally required to bend legs to rest on the knees, bend the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine (at the waist), and move about on hands and knees or hands and feet. Frequently required to communicate information or instructions to co-workers, visitors, parents, peers, management, etc. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Use of personal computing equipment, telephone, multi-functioning printer and calculator. Working evenings, weekends, and holidays as required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position successfully. Typical to heavy travel required to attend activities such as meetings, classes, and workshops in and out of the service area. Must be able to travel by air as necessary to attend training, conferences, and related activities.

Essential Functions

Job Function

1. Assists Center Administrator in planning, organizing, developing, scheduling, monitoring, and assist with overseeing day-to-day operations within Early Head Start and Head Start sites.
2. Assist in the classrooms as needed for coverage, including breaks, planning time, lunch, and in the absence of a teacher.  
3. Maintain and ensure the health, safety, and supervision of children at all times, including high peak times such as daily drop-off, dismissal, special events, and transitions.
4. In the absence of the Center Administrator, the Program Assistant will be responsible for the site's operation, including responding to parents, staff, Center Managers, AVANCE Support Services Staff, and acting as the Center Administrator.
5. Knowledge of local, state, and city facility permits.
6. Knowledge of all policies and standards as it relates to governing bodies such as, Texas Department of Health and Human Services-Child Care Regulation, Head Start Program Performance Standards, NAEYC, etc.  
7. Knowledge and understanding of inspections needed at facilities to ensure compliance such as gas, fire, grease trap, health, etc.
8. Knowledge, understanding, and reporting of employee relations, children incidents/injuries/accidents, and parent concerns.
9. Knowledge and understanding of Texas Child Care Regulation, Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC standards, including reporting or documenting as needed or as advised by program management.
10. Assist with data entry, record keeping, and clerical/office duties as assigned or needed, including but not limited to CAP60, children’s folders, Meal Count forms/CACFP, attendance tracking, and monthly reports.
11. Assist within the assigned facility in duties such as kitchen, classroom, and custodial when needed.
12. Conduct and attend training seminars, staff meetings, and community and recreation meetings as needed.
13. Communicate effectively with collaborative and community partners, AVANCE Support Services, staff, and parents.
14. Work to enhance parent engagement within the Early Head Start or Head Start facilities.
15. Must be able to travel for business-related activities.
16. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• Required: Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or related field with at least two years of experience in an early childhood facility

Experience

• Required: Two (2) to three (3) year related work experience in a childcare classroom and 3 years’ clerical experience
• Preferred: Four (4) years’ experience within the AVANCE system or four (4) years management or supervision, working with high-risk children and families

Other

• Preferred: CPR/First Aide Certification in infants and toddlers, and preschool
• Preferred: Bilingual English/Spanish